If you were to believe just what critics in Bremen have recently been writing, then Werder have distinct problems in dealing with defensive and particularly passive opponents...
If you were to believe just what critics in Bremen have recently been writing, then Werder have distinct problems in dealing with defensive and particularly passive opponents...
If you were to believe just what critics in Bremen have recently been writing, then Werder have distinct problems in dealing with defensive and particularly passive opponents. Trainer Thomas Schaaf’s men would very much like to prove those critics wrong on the pitch – but they will have to be patient. This Saturday, 20.09.2008 (kick-off 3:30pm), the Green-Whites will be faced with the challenge of Bayern Munich at the Allianz-Arena, where not many will expect to see a passive host!
The ‘Bayern-Express’ really brewed up a head of steam in the last couple of weeks, with a 4-1 win over Hertha BSC Berlin followed by a 3-0 win away to FC Köln: “Bayern are the cream of the crop in the league at the moment,” acknowledged Thomas Schaaf, with a great deal of respect for the up-coming opponents, but the Werder coach went on to note confidently: “That’s the kind of team we should be measuring up to!” Werder general manager Klaus Allofs remarked: “It’ll surely be a heated affair. It’s a real top match. We are not all that far off Bayern.”
At an initial glance, Werder’s away record against FC Bayern leaves little reason for real optimism. Since 1965 Werder have made 42 Bundesliga appearances in Munich but have only managed a meagre six wins. Another more intensive look at the record book shows that three of those wins took place in the last eight years. Unforgettable was the stunning 3-1 win on 08.05.2004, when goals from Ivan Klasnic, Johan Micoud and Ailton at the Olympia Stadium saw Werder Bremen clinch their fourth German league title. From the last ten meetings, Werder won three, drew three and on four occasions Bayern claimed the points. The balance of power has been swaying more favourably for the Green-Whites as time elapses and the 7,000 Werder supporters who are expected to make the trip to Bavaria will be hoping to see their side’s quota continue to improve.
